Test results inform test takers and educators about learning progress and program effectiveness

The test has four sections – reading, writing, listening and speaking

Reading and Listening items are computer-scored and computer-adaptive (meaning that questions are selected based on previous responses, becoming easier or more difficult as needed to determine proficiency level)

Writing and Speaking items are scored by Avant’s trained raters who use a Scoring Rubric that lists the criteria for meeting Benchmark Levels

Demonstrated ability on Reading and Writing sections facilitates the types of Speaking and Writing prompts the test taker will receive

The test was developed by the Center for Applied Second Language Studies (CASLS) at the University of Oregon and was adapted and is delivered by Avant Assessment

Tests are taken in a proctored environment with no outside resources allowed

Individual Report

The Individual Report is divided into four sections – one for each skill tested. Each section displays the score (benchmark level) that the test taker attained.

Below the heading is an inverted pyramid that displays the score in a graphic format. The yellow-filled area depicts the level attained. For the Writing and Speaking phases of the test, an additional blue-filled area will appear if the test taker had one test item that scored at a higher level. This serves as an alert that the test taker may be operating across a range of proficiency levels with this skill.

The area to the right of the inverted pyramid describes the characteristics associated with the skill (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) and level category (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced). If a test section was not completed, this area of the report will show the test taker status for this section (Not Started or Started).

The Writing and Speaking sections of the report also show the individual scores for each of the three responses (Sample 1, Sample 2, Sample 3). A response marked “Not Ratable” may be due to: 1) No response submitted, 2) Non-target language, 3) Off-topic, or 4) Inappropriate (violent, profane, etc.)

Understanding the Scores

To understand more about the Individual Report scores, see the Benchmarks and Rubrics Guide. The rubric outlines in detail what expectations are placed upon the test takers for performance at any given level. For more information about a specific test taker’s scores, contact the organization that administered the test.